Washtenaw County law enforcement agencies, public officials and community members gathered Thursday at the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office on Hogback Road to spread the word about Gun Safety Week 2014.

The week will be dedicated to educating the public about gun safety issues and encouraging responsible gun ownership. In addition, law enforcement agencies throughout Washtenaw County will offer free gun locks and gun safety information.

Washtenaw County police departments will work together with public officials and community organizations to increase knowledge about gun safety issues, officials said.

“As chiefs of police we all recognize the importance of a comprehensive collaboration among all of the law enforcement agencies in Washtenaw County,” Ann Arbor Police Chief John Seto said. “This is just another example of all of us working together for a safer community. But we law enforcement leaders also recognize that we cannot do it alone. It takes an entire community and from where I stand today, this is a great showing of support for Gun Safety Week.”

Youth Pastor David Rodriguez echoed the call for community activism.

“I believe that we all have a responsibility to one another, to care for one another, to help each other and to bring hope when there seems to be none,” Rodriguez said. “We all have to bind together to make a difference in our young people’s lives. It will take a partnership as you see here today, education, awareness and willingness to make a difference for our streets to be safer.”

Molly Hilton, representative of Moms Demand Action, like Rodriguez, emphasized the importance of Gun Safety Week for children in the community.

“Moms Demand Action supports the Second Amendment, but we believe in common sense solutions that can help decrease the escalating epidemic of gun violence that kills too many of our children and loved ones each day,” Hilton said. “Child access prevention and safe storage of firearms are two of those common sense solutions and that is why I am pleased to be here in support of Gun Safety Week.”

Law enforcement representatives from Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Pittsfield Township, Chelsea, Saline, Eastern Michigan University, Milan, Northfield and the University of Michigan were in attendance along with Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Department representatives and Michigan State Police representatives.

Chelsea Hoedl is an intern reporter for The Ann Arbor News. She can be reached at choedl@mlive.com.